Is Breast Revision or Breast Reconstruction Painful?

Pain levels depend on the specific type of surgery you undergo. After breast reconstruction or revision breast surgery,y you’ll likely feel soreness, swelling, and bruising, which is normal. Most people find the pain lessens significantly within a few days, although some tenderness can last longer.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You’ll start with an initial consultation to discuss your goals, options, and medical history. Then, there’s a preoperative appointment to finalize details and review instructions before the surgery. Depending on the type of surgery you undergo, the surgery itself may be a single procedure or take place over multiple stages. After surgery, you’ll have follow-up visits to assess your progress.

How Long Until I See Results?

You’ll see some results right after the surgery, but it takes time for the final outcome to show fully. Swelling and bruising will likely be present at first, and everything can take a few months to settle. Typically, you’ll see the final results within 6-12 months, depending on the type of surgery and how your body heals. Be patient, as the look will continue to improve as you recover.

Can I Combine Breast Surgery With Other Procedures?

Yes, you can often combine breast reconstruction or revision breast surgery with other procedures, depending on your goals and health. Many people choose to add surgeries like tummy tucks or liposuction to improve their overall appearance.

What Are the Risks Associated With Breast Reconstruction or Revision Breast Surgery?

Breast surgery carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, and scarring. Complications with implants could include implant rupture, scarring around the implant (capsular contracture), or implant malposition.

Breast Reconstruction

New York, NY

Introduction to Breast Reconstruction

Many women desire breast reconstruction or revision breast surgery for a number of reasons. Some women have undergone prior breast surgery for cancer treatment (either a lumpectomy or mastectomy) with or without reconstruction, some have congenital breast anomalies (such as Poland’s syndrome or tuberous breasts), and others are dissatisfied with their breasts following prior breast augmentation. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin are here to help guide patients through breast reconstruction and revision surgery options. Dr. Copeland brings her decades of experience taking care of women of all ages, and Dr. Copeland-Halperin underwent advanced training in specialized breast reconstruction techniques to provide state-of-the-art approaches to aesthetic breast surgery.

Depending on where you are in your breast reconstruction journey, there are different options for breast revision or breast reconstruction. At the practice of Dr. Michele Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin in New York City, you’ll have a chance to talk through different options. The right approach depends on your goals and lifestyle. The process starts with a consultation with Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin.

What Are Breast Reconstruction and Revision Breast Surgery?

Breast reconstruction rebuilds the shape and appearance of one’s breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, often following treatment for breast cancer or due to a congenital disability (such as tuberous breast deformity or Poland’s syndrome). It’s a highly personal decision and can play a big role in helping women feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies. Breast reconstruction following cancer treatment can be performed at the time of your initial surgery or later, while breast reconstruction for congenital reasons may be performed at different times, depending on your anatomy and preference.

There are several ways to reconstruct breasts. Some women prefer implants, while others opt to use tissue from another part of their body to create a new breast shape (also known as autologous reconstruction). In some instances, it may be possible to transfer fat from one part of your body (like your abdomen or hips) or your breasts to improve the contour, symmetry, and fullness of your breasts (this is known as autologous fat grafting).

Breast reconstruction can also include reconstructing the nipple and/or tattooing the nipple-areolar complex of the breast that is congenitally absent o,r that was removed as part of your cancer treatment. Breast revision surgery helps to improve the aesthetic appearance of the breasts following previous breast surgery. Whether due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, or aging, breasts change in appearance over time, and breast implants do not last forever. Some women who have undergone previous breast surgery with implants desire replacement of their implants, a change in implant size or type, or no longer wish to keep their implants in place. Some common reasons that women seek revision breast surgery include:

The edges of their implants are visible, or there is visible rippling of the implants
Their breasts have scar tissue (capsular contracture) and are hard, painful, distorted, or asymmetric
Their breasts are sagging over their implant
They had large implants placed when they were younger and don’t like how they look.
They had breast reconstruction following a mastectomy or lumpectomy in the past and don’t like the way their breasts look.
They have large, asymmetric, or absent areolas or nipples
Their implants move when they use their pectoralis muscle
Their implants are displaced into the armpit
Their implants are ruptured or broken
They no longer want to have implants and are interested in ways to improve the aesthetic appearance of their breasts using their own tissue.
They previously had surgery on one breast and desired improved symmetry with the other breast.

Who Are the Best Candidates For Breast Reconstruction or Breast Revision?

The best candidates are people who have had prior breast surgery (whether related to breast cancer, a congenital breast deformity, or cosmetic breast augmentation) and want to achieve an aesthetic and natural-looking breast. Good candidates generally include:

Those in good health
Non-smokers
Those with realistic expectations

What Are the Benefits of Breast Reconstruction and Revision Breast Surgery?

Breast reconstruction can provide both physical and emotional benefits for those who’ve had a mastectomy or lumpectomy or who have congenital breast deformities. It restores the natural shape of the breast and can improve the aesthetic appearance of the breasts, which can boost confidence and help you feel more like yourself again.

Breast revision surgery can provide both physical and emotional benefits for women who have undergone prior breast surgery. It can help you achieve an aesthetic and natural-looking breast appearance, improve physical discomfort, boost confidence, and help you feel more like yourself again.

Breast reconstruction and revision breast surgery also create balance and symmetry, so clothing, bras, and swimsuits fit more comfortably.

Woman with brown hair, wearing a pink bralette, looking to the side - Breast Augmentation in New York, NY

What’s the First Step?

The first step in breast reconstruction or revision breast surgery is scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. At the practice of Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin in New York City, you’ll go over your medical history, goals, and the different reconstruction options. They’ll explain the various techniques and help you choose the best approach for you.

What to Expect on the Day of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

On the day of your surgery, you will arrive at the facility, meet with Dr. Michelle Copeland or Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin, and have the opportunity to ask any questions. You will then meet with our board-certified anesthesiologist, who will administer twilight anesthesia. You will be asleep during the surgery.

The surgery can take several hours, depending on the surgical plan. Afterward, you’ll be taken to a recovery room, where the team will monitor you as you wake up. You’ll likely experience some swelling and discomfort, but pain management will be provided. Once you’re ready, you’ll go home with clear instructions for your recovery and follow-up appointments to track your progress.

Breast Revision or Breast Reconstruction Recovery

Breast Reconstruction Recovery

Recovery from breast reconstruction or revision breast surgery depends on the type of surgery you had. After the procedure, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room and may feel swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Pain management will help keep you comfortable.

You’ll need to rest and avoid heavy activities for the first few days. Your surgeon might place drains during your surgery to remove excess fluid and give you specific care instructions. Most people return to work or light activities in 1 week, though full recovery can take several weeks.

How Much Does Breast Reconstruction Cost in New York City, NY?

Breast reconstruction and revision breast surgery in New York City can vary widely depending on the type of procedure. To get a more accurate estimate and discuss your options, it’s best to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin.

Why Choose Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin?

Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin are trusted experts in reconstructive and revision breast surgery. Dr. Copeland, the first female plastic surgeon with a Harvard doctorate in both medicine and dentistry, is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Mount Sinai and a leading figure in the field. With her decades of experience, she has helped women of all ages and from around the world feel more comfortable and confident. A Double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin completed advanced training in microsurgery and breast reconstruction at the world-renowned Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, where she learned the latest techniques in aesthetic breast reconstruction and revision breast surgery.

Serving an international clientele, we offer virtual and in-person consultations to discuss your options for breast reconstruction or revision breast surgery, and our team will help you through the entire process.

Breast Reconstruction FAQ’S

You’ll start with an initial consultation to discuss your goals, options, and medical history. Then, there’s a preoperative appointment to finalize details and review instructions before the surgery.

Depending on the type of surgery you undergo, the surgery itself may be a single procedure or take place over multiple stages. After surgery, you’ll have follow-up visits to assess your progress.
You’ll see some results right after the surgery, but it takes time for the final outcome to show fully. Swelling and bruising will likely be present at first, and everything can take a few months to settle. Typically, you’ll see the final results within 6-12 months, depending on the type of surgery and how your body heals. Be patient, as the look will continue to improve as you recover.

Schedule Your Consultation

The first step toward breast reconstruction or revision breast surgery is scheduling a consultation. You’ll receive expert care in a welcoming environment at Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin’s practice in New York City. Call 212-452-2200 or fill out the consultation request form, and we’ll contact you to help you get started.